What Is The Difference Between Synthetic And Conventional Oil?

Occasionally a customer of Top Tech Automotive will ask us if they would be better off driving around the Billings area with synthetic motor oil instead of conventional motor oil inside their vehicle. Our automotive repair technicians will them that aside from serving its primary purpose of lubricating and protecting the moving parts inside a vehicle's engine, motor oil is also intended to assist in ensuring the engine is cooled and operating cleanly. In the most ideal Billings driving conditions, moving at a constant highway speed, vehicle manufacturer recommended conventional oils work fine. Unfortunately for many driving the roads around the Billings area, such ideal driving conditions are seldom the situation. When driving around the streets of greater Billings in stop and go traffic, extreme hot and cold temperatures, short excursions, and when hauling or towing heavy loads, the health of a vehicle can benefit from the extra protection provided by synthetic automotive motor oil.

The difference between synthetic and conventional motor oil is that while conventional motor oil is derived from crude oil removed from the earth and processed in a refinery, motor oils that are synthetic originate from "synthesized" materials which results in delivering more performance benefits, including:

A reduction in deposits in the engine that are "by-products" of an engine's combustion process

Increased thickness (viscosity) at extremely high temperatures

Easier engine starting in very cold temperatures due to better ease of flow than conventional oil

Less tendency to break down at extreme temperatures, commonly referred to as "volatility"

Significantly better protection from engine wear

Top Tech Automotive tells all of our customers in the Billings area that they should think that there should be any difference in time between oil changes when using a synthetic motor oil over a conventional one. While it is proven that synthetic oil provides better protection for a vehicle, having an oil change done according to the vehicle manufacturer's recommendation is still the best option for protecting the overall performance and life of a vehicle.

Our RV got stuck in reverse just outside of Billings. Darren from Top Tech came out, identified the cause of the problem and did everything he could to help us get back on the road. We really appreciated their above and beyond service!

"Our RV got stuck in reverse just outside of Billings. Darren from Top Tech came out, identified the cause of the problem and did everything he could to help us get back on the road. We really appreciated their above and beyond service! "

"It is hard to find a mechanic you can trust. I love Top Tech and I trust them to provide excellent service on my car. They always prioritize my cars needs and understand financial constraints. I would highly recommend them to everyone!"

"Upon traveling on our trip our vehicle stalled out and had to be towed! Called AAA and they towed our vehicle to Top Tech Automotive, we needed to have a new timing belt and head gasket installed. The service was great, the performed above and beyond my expectations! They were all very professional from the beginning to end! I would highly recommend this shop to all!"

"I have been going to Top Tech for over 6 years now and those guys have always taken care of whatever I have ever needed! They have dropped at a moments notice what they were doing and came to help me in times of need! The waiting room is always clean, plenty of pictures of Darrins beautiful family (he has five children) I would recommend anyone to go to Top Tech for their automotive needs!"

"My mother and I would like to thank you from the bottoms of our hearts for a wounderful service and great hospitality. I have never experienced such great customer service in my life. You guys certainly went out of your way to make us comfortable in our non planned stay in Billings. Thanks Carl also who was very kind in helping us find a hotel for the night. Thanks so very much!!! The girls from Stillwater."